Dear Carroll community,

To my underclassmen, I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Each day you all find new ways to make me smile, and help me to enjoy each day here! The impact you’ve all left on me is immense, and I wouldn’t change my experiences here for anything. Whether we’ve met through a meeting at diversity club, on the track team, or even at A.C.T.S, I thank you for everything you’ve done for me! Before I leave, I have some advice for all of you as well. Everyone’s favorite signature line “Get Involved” is such a true thing here at Carroll. I want you all to experience the diverse activities that are offered, while you still have the time to do so. Take time everyday to focus on you, and don’t be so stressed over everything. One thing this year taught me is that the work will get done, so don’t stress over it. Be sure to behave, and not to stress your teachers out too much. They put so much work into each lesson, and only want the best for each and every one of you. I encourage each of you to go and experience Kairos as well! It’s one of those life moments that helps you to really find yourself, and you can give it back by sharing that love with others. Thank you again, for everything, and I hope you all succeed in your future endeavors!

To the faculty, staff, and administration at Carroll, thank you for all of your support these last 4 years. Each day, you all came in with a lesson plan that helped me to stay engaged in your classes, and work. You all have been so helpful from the beginning of bridge in 2018, all the way to this season of graduation, that I cannot thank you enough. You’ve helped me to improve my essays, evolve my art skills, encouraged me when no one else did, and showed me what it means to be a true role model. I couldn’t think to have better people in my life than all of the faculty at Carroll! As I head to Drexel I will miss you all dearly, and I won’t forget anything you’ve done for me at Carroll. I thank you again for everything you’ve done for me in high school, and I hope you all continue to enrich the students of Carroll for years to come!

Lastly to my fellow seniors, I know we’ve had an interesting highschool experience, but I thank you for keeping me afloat all these years. The reason I love Carroll so much is because of this class of 2022. You all have so many gifts and talents that will take you so far in life. I’ve had the privilege of being able to share a grade with you all, and wouldn’t change it for the world. Every class we’ve shared, every meal we’ve had, even just having random conversations in the hallway, have left a significant mark on who I am as a person. I’ve been able to develop because of you guys, and I can’t thank you enough. I hope as we go our separate ways this summer, that we can keep in contact, and can still find time to hang out as well. I hope that each of you is successful in life, and I’ll never forget the memories we made here!

Thank you again for everything,

Sincerely,

Derrick Banks Jr.